Shelley Smith

• Provided technical support on historic zoning and preservation to the Comstock Historic District Commission and five or more local county government departments across a National Landmark Historic District spanning over 14,000 acres within two counties, representing a significant chapter in Nevadan and American history.
• Researched, drafted, and helped implement 12+ ordinances related to design review, cultural landscapes, zoning, and development standards.
• Reviewed over 100 historic preservation applications annually; administratively approved over 60 Certificates of Appropriateness for minor alterations.
• Delivered strategic planning advice to the Commission, State Historic Preservation Office, and local agencies on 30+ preservation and development projects.
• Managed a cross-functional team of three professionals, increasing operational efficiency by streamlining internal workflows, and reducing processing time by 40%.
• Oversaw the creation and enforcement of 10+ operational procedures, and administered budgets totaling over $500K; led the implementation of 3 major risk mitigation strategies.
• Planned and executed 25+ public programs, rotating exhibits, and outreach events at the Comstock History Center; supervised all aspects of facility maintenance.
• Coordinated with over 50 external partners, including engineers, architects, developers, community organizations, and agencies, to facilitate planning approvals and compliance.
• Led community engagement efforts through 12+ public design charrettes and place-based learning initiatives, engaging with hundreds of stakeholders.
• Conducted bi-weekly building and site inspections as well as authoring quarterly reports addressing preservation challenges, policy gaps, and development risks.
• Organized and facilitated monthly Commission meetings, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and ensuring compliance with state and local legal standards.
• Supervised five direct reports, improved task completion rates by 20% through the introduction of new digital tools, and continuous improvement processes.
• Responded to 200+ community inquiries and concerns annually, resolving 95% percent within a 2-day turnaround.

• One of four principal consultants in women-owned boutique firm specializing in a wide range of real estate development, preservation, design, marketing, site selection & community development services across the east coast.

Selected clients and project highlights.

• Woolrich, Pennsylvania: Led strategic redevelopment planning and revitalization consulting for a historic mill village; guided historic tax credit strategy and adaptive use for over 75,000 square feet of industrial and community-use space; conducted a review of Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessment.
• Homestead Air Force Base, Florida (Marstel-Day / Department of Defense): Delivered community planning and encroachment assessment services, and provided strategic guidance aligning DOD sustainability mandates with local development frameworks.
• City of Pendleton, SC: Created feasibility and redevelopment strategy for a historic brownfield site; combined adaptive reuse planning with community engagement to inform public-private partnership opportunities; Invited by EPA to present final plan in Washington, DC.

• Achieved workforce, economic, and community development initiatives across 11-county service area, including distressed areas.
• Secured over $500k in corporate and private donations for Motlow Foundation through stakeholder engagement.
• Supported state corporate recruitment by providing regional data to enhance business attraction efforts.
• Spearheaded collaboration among over 40 organizations, including chambers of commerce and government agencies.
• Facilitated over 50 roundtable events with Main Street organizations to promote regional economic resiliency.
• Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational growth and development.
• Evaluated existing programs for improvement opportunities while identifying new program ideas based on market analysis.
• Hosted discussions with innovative leaders, sharing resources and best practices for community development.

• Unified and led a team of community stakeholders in downtown revitalization efforts, administering the Tennessee Downtowns Grant.
• Developed practical strategies enabling stakeholders to effectively utilize resources for vibrant downtown.
• Established brand strategy and marketing plan, promoting downtown through comprehensive communications campaign.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance built environment through mural installations and updated signage.
• Initiated sustainable landscaping program to support community resilience.

• Facilitated acquisition of land valued over $30 million.
• Conducted comprehensive site analyses, market studies, and design documentation.
• Developed budgets and project pro forma during pre-development phases.

• Conducted research and analysis on state and federal tax incentives for graduate student associate position.
• Performed cost-benefit analysis for multiple entities involved in BullStreet project.
• Analyzed financial implications of transforming historic South Carolina State Hospital site into mixed-use neighborhood.

• Established award-winning business recognized as Savannah's Best Cosmetics Boutique by readers of Savannah Magazine.
• Directed design, pre-development, entitlements, and build-out for two retail locations in Historic Landmark District.
• Oversaw daily operations and managed a team of 25 full-time and part-time employees.
• Cultivated partnerships and maintained long-term relationships as co-founder of Savannah Fashion Week.
• Served as representative for west end of Savannah's primary commercial corridor with Savannah Downtown Business Association.

• Facilitated Maison Basse site's preservation process by researching, documenting, and conserving significant architectural elements to adapt site for new use as studio classrooms and housing at SCAD's Lacoste Campus.

• Collaborated with over 12 civic community stakeholders to facilitate land-use planning across Middle Tennessee.
• Assisted in preparing 14 high-profile National Register of Historic Places nominations, including Birmingham's Civil Rights District.
• Facilitated beneficial regulations and provided guidance on creating historic districts throughout the region.